Galahad Care Centre treated to lots of music

The Walter Jahns Singers’ performed their 33rd annual Spring Concert at the Galahad Care Centre on Sunday, April 25. ECA Review/Submitted

Submitted by Jamie Geddes
The Walter Jahns Singers’ performed their 33rd annual Spring Concert entitled The Director’s All Time Favourites on Sunday, April 25 at the Galahad Care Centre.

The Walter Jahns Singers directed by Carl Jahns and accompanied on piano by Diane Jahns, sang their full concert program for the residents and staff.

Carl Jahns celebrated 15 years of directing the Singers and chose his favourites for the program. The Singers perform twice a year at the centre.

“Thank you for having us here tonight and we always enjoy coming out to perform for you,” said Jahns.

“The residents love their music,” said Cathy Blumhagen. “They look forward to Walter Jahns concerts and all the music programs that are serviced by various volunteers.” You see their fingers going, their toes are tapping and really enjoying themselves.”

The centre ensures music once a week.

On Thursdays, the centre offers church services which is provided on a rotational basis by several denominations. Each service is led by Flagstaff area clergy complete with Bible readings, short inspirational stories and hymns to sing.

On most Tuesdays, Alaire Oberg from Forestburg comes and plays the piano while Vern Erickson of Killam often plays guitar for an afternoon sing-a-long with the residents and staff. Doug & Rae Bish of Forestburg and Tom and Marilyn Bunbary of Castor bring up the vocals. At times they are joined by Jean Kumar and Agnes Oberg of Forestburg who lend their voices in song. The residents join singing from their favourite old time song book.

Joyce and David Biggs of Killam provide a musical interlude once a month. David plays a variety of string instruments and his wife joins in singing with the residents. They also lend a musical hand with other special events.

The Galahad Care Centre Ladies’ Auxiliary host a variety of events such as a Mother’s Day tea; a St. Patrick’s Day chili and soup, a Thanksgiving Dinner and a Christmas party which always includes a musical portion for the resident’s enjoyment.

The Auxiliary provide a monthly birthday party to honour residents who have had a birthday that month. Cake and you guessed it, music is served!

Pastor Jim Culham, a chaplain at Castor and Hanna Hospital affectionately known at the Centre as the “Pastor from Castor” volunteers once a month. He helps lighten the residents’ day with a sing-along, some jokes and anecdotes.

This month the staff will take the residents to visit Niconna’s Greenhouse and see the Popovich’s perform their comedic musical act in Killam.

The Centre provides many daily activities to enhance the residents’ physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs. They strive to create resident and family centered events and connections which they make seem effortless. Diligent to provide the day to day must haves, the staff is keenly aware that they have tremendous area support and volunteers to help make the little extras come together.

“We have a very good volunteer base,” said Blumhagen. “We are very fortunate to have the support we are given. We know that if there is a need, we can count on our volunteers to help us achieve a goal and meet that need. We are grateful for their continued support.”